Mando Saenz – Watertown

Hailing from Texas, by way of San Luis Obispo, Mando Saenz trumpets his arrival on the singer/songwriter scene with this alt.country winner. His plaintive delivery and knack for sweet melodies are evident from the get-go. While much of the disc exhibits an achingly melancholic streak (evident during the bittersweet reminiscence of the title track, and opener “Julia”), Saenz displays a more carefree side on the rollicking “Egg Song” and “Engine Roll,” with Tommy Detamore’s fine dobro work adding some Grade-A twang.